Understanding how social factors affect early-onset colorectal cancer
Official title: Pathways to Prevention: Exploring Social Determinants of Health in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11114847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why more young people under 50 are getting colorectal cancer and how things like money, education, and access to healthcare might be causing delays in their diagnosis and treatment, especially for Black/African American individuals and those living in rural areas of Kentucky and Georgia, with the goal of finding ways to improve care for everyone affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,610 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA301113-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11114847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer, particularly those from Black/African American communities or rural areas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer after the age of 50 or those not belonging to the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) in individuals under 50, focusing on how social determinants of health (SDoH) such as economic stability, education, and healthcare access influence diagnosis and treatment delays. The study aims to identify disparities in EOCRC outcomes, particularly among Black/African American populations and those in rural areas of Kentucky and Georgia. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to improved healthcare strategies and interventions for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and improved healthcare strategies for early-onset colorectal cancer, particularly for underserved populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing social determinants of health can significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Justin Xavier — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Moore, Justin Xavier
Related research
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-
Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.